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Get to Know the CASA Staff: Cheryl MacKelvie
Cheryl MacKelvie serves as CASA’s Meetings and Membership Coordinator, interacting with most CASA members during conferences and events. You might know her by her bright smile and warm welcoming personality! Cheryl supports the association’s membership, conference, accounting and meeting programs, including planning, organizing, and overseeing the operations and administration of the CASA office. She represents CASA’s programs, projects, and services to member agencies and the public, assists in the administration of various membership programs and so much more!
Prior to joining CASA in 2015, Cheryl worked for a prominent lobbying and association management firm supporting legislative advocates and clients, providing support to their Board of Directors for meeting planning, Board meetings, and related functions. Cheryl attended Gonzaga University and Bryman Dental School.
Cheryl beyond the office:
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Where were you born and raised? What was it like growing up there? I was born in Heidelberg, Germany. I grew up all over the place because I was an Army brat. I’ve lived in Heidelberg, Germany; Naples, Italy; Taipei, Taiwan; Ft. Gordon, Georgia; San Jose/Santa Clara, California (a couple times); Kettle Falls, Washington; White Sands, New Mexico; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; New Jersey, and I might be forgetting a couple places. I’ll check my list at home. 😊
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What's your favorite color, and does it hold any significance to you? Blue, because everyone in my family has blue eyes.
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If you could magically learn a new language without any effort, which one would you pick? I’d love to learn Mandarin.
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What's your favorite hobby or activity to do in your free time? Besides my dog, motorcycle riding. I love my bike and love the feeling when I’m riding.
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Excellence Unveiled Webinar Recording Available
We are pleased to share that the recorded version of our recent webinar Excellence Unveiled is now available for viewing! Whether you missed the live session or wish to revisit the insightful content, this recorded webinar provides a comprehensive overview of past CASA Awards of Excellence winning projects. From harnessing biomethane as a renewable energy source to engaging the public through effective outreach and education programs, each project deep-dive offers a unique perspective and important lessons for other CASA agencies. Access the recorded webinar here. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Alyssa Downs.
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CASA Annual Conference in Monterey: One Month Away!
CASA’s Annual Conference is only one month away, and the hotel block is sold out, so if you are still planning to register, be sure to check out these surrounding hotels: Portola Hotel & Spa, Hotel Pacific or the Monterey Hotel. Set to take place from July 31 to August 2 at the Monterey Marriott, this year’s conference program offers an array of speakers and panels geared towards providing our agencies with the necessary tools and information to foster collaboration and achieve our common goals. In addition to all the great sessions, we have some excellent networking opportunities this year! Check them out here.
Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on what we have in store. Register now! We hope to see you this summer in Monterey!
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Come Grow with Us!
CASA is delighted to announce the continuation of the CASA Mentoring Program for 2024-25 after another successful year. Join us as a mentor or mentee to inspire others, share knowledge, and drive change!
This 11-month comprehensive program, kicking off in October and concluding in August 2025, connects clean water professionals from across California. Partnering with Core Consulting, renowned for their experience in developing mentoring and training programs for public agencies, CASA will match mentor/mentee pairs based on their professional goals, preferences, and experience. The program is open to both associates and agency members. Interested in learning more? Join our virtual information sessions on:
Be sure to visit the CASA LEAD webpage! If you're already interested in participating in this program for the upcoming year, please email Alyssa Downs so we can add you to our interest list.
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If you have questions related to federal updates, please contact Sarah Sapirstein. | |
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WIPPES Act (H.R. 2964) Passes House on Bipartisan Basis
On June 11, the House passed H.R. 2964, WIPPES Act, on a vote of 351-56. Sponsored by Representative Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Representative Mary Peltola (D-AK), the bill mirrors California’s state law by requiring wipes manufacturers to print clear and conspicuous “Do Not Flush” labels on non-flushable wet wipes packaging to help educate consumers to not flush these wipes down the toilets as a means of disposal.
Prior the floor vote, the WIPPES Act received strong and vocal endorsements from both Republican and Democrat Committee on Energy and Commerce leadership during floor debate on the legislation. Both majority and minority committee leadership stressed that the disposal of non-flushable wipes down toilets causes adverse impacts to wastewater utilities’ operations. Leadership cited the increased costs to utilities, and their ratepayers, to address impairments and failures of clean water infrastructure and equipment. Members also noted the environmental harms created by clogging of systems that can result in sewer backups. Video of H.R. 2964’s floor remarks can be viewed here (5:34:00 – 5:40:42).
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New National Strategy to Address Food Waste and Increase Organics Recycling
The Biden Administration has unveiled a new “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics.” The purpose of this new strategy is to prevent the loss of food waste and increase recycling of organic materials. The goal of these actions is to support a circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save households and businesses money. The strategy provides a roadmap for how the Administration wants the identified federal agencies to work to address the strategy’s overall stated goals.
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Welcome New Members!
Weck Laboratories
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Collaborative Strategies Consulting Inc.
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Sign up for CASA’s Regulatory Updates
CASA’s Regulatory Workgroup regularly puts together a comprehensive e-newsletter to share all regulatory updates on key issues and workgroup initiatives with the CASA membership. If you are interested in receiving these regulatory updates, please contact Jared Voskuhl. The latest edition is available here.
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Flush Smart MONTH
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is once again getting ready for Flush Smart Day Month. Due to success in educating about the importance of looking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol and other smart flushing habits, RFA is now expanding Flush Smart Day to all of July for Flush Smart Month!
Here are some ways to support Flush Smart Month. Plan activities, check out the toolkit and templates for social media, blogs, press releases, and talking points/FAQs on the RFA website.
And don’t forget to use #FlushSmart and/or #FlushSmartMonth hashtags on your items.
Keep an eye out for more materials to come in the next few weeks!
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CASA represents more than 135 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of Wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources. | | | | |
